A new behavioral health center will open in Albuquerque, allowing more people, 55 years old and up to seek treatment.

The Central Desert Behavioral Health Center will be a 26-bed inpatient care facility for those who need help with mental illness including depression, schizophrenia and more.

More than 17 percent of people 55 and up have a behavioral health problem, and coordinators say Albuquerque is growing rapidly. They need an additional facility.

"Every day people ask, 'When is your new place open up?' We've got a patient for you," said Dr. Robben Gingery, the medical director.

Gingery told Action 7 News he has worked in a number of nursing homes that simply can't find mental health facilities for their residents.

"Its been quite difficult getting people into the facilities in Albuquerque," he added.

He said most if not all of the beds are full in the city, so much so, that a lot of people go to Las Cruces instead.

The new facility, located at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Elm Street, has a home-like feel with a kitchen and free-roaming spaces. It has two-person rooms with private bathrooms, multiple community rooms and outdoor sitting space.

Sammie Sikes, the executive director for the facility, told Action 7 News they are ecstatic that this brand new center is opening. They also plan to offer Albuquerque's first structured outpatient program. With that, Sikes said they can transport patients in their shuttle, feed them lunch and keep track of how they are doing.

Sikes said a lot of people in the baby boomer generation have never had treatment for mental health problems.

The new facility will host a community open house Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. They will also have a grand opening event.